Pippa Hughes

Pippa was a very shy child, born 15th June 1994, she grew up in the Shropshire countryside just outside of the idyllic town of Ludlow. She struggled to conquer her shy nature and it wasn't until she moved to St. Laurences Primary School and was discovered by headmaster, Kevin Bryant, that her true nature and talent began to unfold. A keen creative, she often performed in school plays as well as choreographing and performing in dance routines with her friends, in the school's dance competitions. She remains to be the only pupil to have ever also sang in the competition, winning 1st prize. Kevin Bryant continued to support Pippa's creative development and encouraged her to play both the flute and piano. By the age of ten she had entered a singing competition at the Ludlow Assembly Rooms and became the youngest competitor in the area for 'The Dream Kids Tribute Band'. She also attended many workshops here, including ones on film make-up. Alongside all of this she was also a keen flautist in Tenbury Town Band.Pippa was very fortunate to attend Hereford Cathedral School for her secondary education. She made the most of the opportunities on offer such as rowing, Duke of Edinburgh, CCF and continued her flute and piano lessons with caring support from her mother. However, putting academia above her creative needs did not last long and by late 2008 she had joined Insteps Dance Academy in Ludlow. Taught by Leianne Jukes for just over three years, Pippa was pushed within all styles of dance, overcoming challenges such as operations on her feet and severe scoliosis. Despite this, and a crumbling home life, she found sanctuary at the studios and worked on reception to pay for her classes.In 2012 Pippa had applied to study dance at university, a similar path to most of her friends, but her desire to perform was a constant pressure and she dreamed of training at a prestigious college. After finding the courage, and with the particular support of her teachers at Insteps Dance Academy, she applied for a few. Being unsuccessful, she had planned to spend a year in New Zealand and continue training. Fortunately, she received an email from London Studio Centre, a college she had applied late for, offering her an 'extra audition' in London on her 18th birthday. With 'nothing to lose' she went to the audition alone, leaving before 4am, and gave it her all. The following month she was delighted to be offered a place directly onto their degree course. 'I just remember it being such a relief, after all the doubts especially with my scoliosis! I just didn't think they'd want someone like me. I had only been dancing properly for about three years. It was definitely a shock. I actually thought it was an achievement just making it to the audition!'Her degree wasn't smooth, she unfortunately suffered with severe tendinitis in her second year which saw her struggling to dance for over six months. 'It was so cruel, watching others having the time of their lives, and seeing the improvements I was missing out on. I just couldn't do it, I got out and focused on my modelling and acting to keep myself occupied. It was a very painful and irritating time.' Back and ready to throw everything at her third year, Pippa prioritised her training, but also found it challenging and rewarding trying to manage all three of her career dreams.Pippa's first three years in London saw her get thoroughly wrapped up in the excitement of such a diverse city. She continued working outside of her training within the modelling and acting industries and she appeared in Synergy Event's show at London Fashion Week in September 2014 for not one, but two different designers. Although her dreams of keeping up her dancing remain, she has 'fallen in love' with acting and modelling and works hard at all three professions. 'I just hope to continue to make a living out of having fun and doing what I love.' Pippa is now busy focusing on what this next chapter will bring and I wish her all the luck possible.

TIMELINE

2018

Fortunately, she received an email from London Studio Centre, a college she had applied late for, offering her an 'extra audition' in London on her 18th birthday

2016

She has appeared in Kannada movie songs from Kottigobba 2 (2016), Hebbuli (2017), Mugulu Nage (2017), Kanaka (2018), and Telugu songs from Raju Gari Gadhi 2 (2017) and Rarandoi Veduka Chudham (2017)With her appearances in TV series; Ghulaam on Life OK, and comedy series; Fourplay (2017 - ), Pippa finally got a more substantial character to play in Varun Thakur's Shaitaan Haveli (2017) and is rumoured to be seen next in Discovery Jeet's new series; Sarfarosh:Saragarhi 1897 as the lead female role

2014

She continued working outside of her training within the modelling and acting industries and she appeared in Synergy Event's show at London Fashion Week in September 2014 for not one, but two different designers

2012

In 2012 Pippa had applied to study dance at university, a similar path to most of her friends, but her desire to perform was a constant pressure and she dreamed of training at a prestigious college

2008

However, putting academia above her creative needs did not last long and by late 2008 she had joined Insteps Dance Academy in Ludlow

1994

Pippa was a very shy child, born 15th June 1994, she grew up in the Shropshire countryside just outside of the idyllic town of Ludlow